Topic Contents

Prostatitis: Pre- and Post-Massage Test

Topic Overview

The pre- and post-massage test is a simple, inexpensive test that may
help diagnose the type of
prostatitis you have.

First, your penis will be cleaned to eliminate any bacteria, then
you will give a urine sample (pre-massage sample).

The doctor will ask you to stop urinating and bend over so your
prostate can be massaged to collect secretions from your prostate gland. The
doctor does this by inserting a gloved finger into your rectum and pressing
several times on your prostate.

You will then be asked to provide another urine sample
(post-massage sample).

The two urine samples and, if possible, a sample prostate secretion,
are examined for bacteria or cells that point to inflammation
(leukocytes).

If bacteria are found in the post-massage (or prostate secretion)
sample, you may have chronic bacterial prostatitis.

If cells that point to inflammation are found in the post-massage
(or prostate secretion) sample, you may have inflammatory chronic pelvic pain
syndrome.

If no bacteria or cells that point to inflammation are found in the
post-massage (or prostate secretion) sample, you may have noninflammatory
chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

There are other possible results, and the test may not always give a
clear answer.

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